Reverse: Along the rim on top, “CANADA”. In the center, a red-breasted nuthatch climbing down a tree trunk. Along the rim at the bottom, the face value and the year of issue.

Obverse: The portrait of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II. Along the rim, the inscriptions "Elizabeth II" on the left, and "D•G•REGINA" on the right. At the bottom, the Royal Canadian Mint mark.

Of the 17 nuthatch species found throughout North America and Eurasia, three reside in Canada. The Red-Breasted Nuthatch (Sitta canadensis) is the most widely distributed and is readily identified by its eye stripes and rust-colored underbody. It breeds across Canada and the United States. It is a small, active bird with a diverse repertoire of calls, and is best known for its ability to hop down trees head first. The nuthatch's large hind toe and a stubby tail are likely adaptations for climbing upside down; the toe providing added stability and the short stubby tail enabling it to maneuver amongst the branches. A sturdy tapered beak also enables it to wedge nuts and hard seeds in crevices and hammer them open with its beak, another distinct behavior that led to its name. It also hides caches of seeds in crevices of tree trunks for winter food.